How do I fix inconsistent data and reporting across my retail business?

Drake Commerce designs reporting infrastructure and operating dashboards that leadership actually uses, turning fragmented data into clear insights for better forecasting and faster decisions.

Why has growth slowed at my consumer brand?

Drake Commerce diagnoses channel performance, org structure, and execution gaps to identify root causes of slowed growth, then implements fixes across eCommerce, Amazon, wholesale, and operations.

What is a fractional CSO, COO, or CRO?

A fractional executive is a senior leader who works with your company part-time or on a project basis, providing executive-level strategy and leadership without the cost of a full-time hire. Drake Commerce provides fractional Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Revenue Officer services to consumer brands.

Fractional Executive Leadership for Consumer Brands at an Inflection Point

Q: How do I get started with TikTok Shop for my consumer brand?

Drake Commerce stands up affiliate-led TikTok commerce as a controlled pilot, aligned with your brand and margins. This approach lets you test the channel without operational chaos.

I help $20–150M consumer and retail brands unlock growth, fix broken operating models, and prepare for what's next — without hiring a full-time executive.

Book a 30-Minute Strategy Call See Client Results

When Growth Gets Complicated, I Step In

You may be in one of these moments:

Growth has stalled, and leadership can't align on what to fix first

New channels (like TikTok Shop) are getting attention, but there's no clear owner or plan

Amazon, DTC, or wholesale performance is slipping, and the causes aren't obvious

The operating model no longer fits the size or complexity of the business

You're preparing for investment, acquisition, or a leadership transition

You need senior leadership now, not in six months

These are the moments when experienced leadership makes the biggest difference.

Services

How I Help (and How Clients Engage Me)

Primary

Fractional Executive Leadership

I step in as a Fractional CSO, COO, or CRO — owning strategy, priorities, and execution during periods of growth, transition, or complexity.

Secondary

Targeted Advisory & Consulting

For focused needs, I lead time-bound advisory engagements to diagnose problems, set direction, and get teams unstuck.

Commerce & Channel Expansion

DTC, Amazon, wholesale, and new channel experimentation (including TikTok Shop and affiliate-led commerce) designed to unlock incremental growth without operational chaos.

Data, Reporting & Decision Infrastructure

I build executive-grade reporting and analytics that turn fragmented data into clear insights, enabling better forecasting, margin control, and faster decisions.

Operations, Supply Chain & M&A

S&OP, operating model redesign, cost optimization, and acquisition readiness across finance, IT, and operations.

Examples

Common Problems I Solve

"We're hearing about TikTok Shop, but don't know where to start."

I stand up affiliate-led TikTok Shops as a controlled pilot, aligned with your brand and margins.

"We have data everywhere, but no one trusts the numbers."

I design reporting infrastructure and operating dashboards that leadership actually uses.

"Growth slowed and no one agrees why."

I diagnose channel performance, org structure, and execution gaps, then fix them.

"We're scaling faster than our systems can handle."

I rebuild the operating model before it breaks.

Results

Client Impact

Growth-Stage Games & Toys Company

Fractional Chief Strategy Officer

Converted distributor-led model to direct retail
Implemented S&OP and operating cadence
$500K+ cost savings
Direct retail relationships established

Tabletop & Digital Games Company

Chief Operating Officer

Delivered 3-year strategic plan
$3.4M+ OPEX savings
Positioned company for strategic acquisition

About

Jed Paulson

I'm a senior operator with executive experience leading growth, commerce, and operations at consumer brands including Exploding Kittens, Rad Power Bikes, Aritzia, REI, Free People, and eBay.

Today, I work with founders and CEOs who need experienced leadership — not theory — during moments that matter.

The name "Drake Commerce" honors my grandfather's hardware business, Drake Hardware Co. of Burlington, Iowa. He built a reputation on reliability, sound judgment, and taking care of people — values that shaped how I think about leadership and long-term growth. Drake Commerce reflects that same mindset: combining the resourcefulness of a small-town hardware store with the strategic rigor required to scale modern commerce businesses.

Credentials

MBA, UC Berkeley & Columbia University

MS Chemical Engineering, UC Davis

3 patents in marketing technology

Board Director, BioZyme Advantage

Is This a Fit?

This is a good fit if:

You're a $20–150M consumer or retail brand
There's real complexity, not just "marketing tweaks"
You want senior leadership that drives decisions and execution

This is not a fit if:

You're pre-revenue or pre-product
You want an execution-only agency
There's no decision-maker involved

Let's Talk

If you're navigating growth, transition, or complexity, let's have a focused conversation.

Book a 30-Minute Strategy Call

Email me and I'll suggest times.